Digital Skills for Youth: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, Lakes State, offering digital learning, ICT training, and innovation support for students, entrepreneurs, and job seekers. Education & Workforce Pipeline: South Sudan’s Ministry of Higher Education announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students to study in Ethiopia, with applications running Sept 7–22 and an entrance exam set for Oct 16. Civic Space & Digital Environment: A South Sudan civil society assessment by the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network rated the enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5), citing gaps in implementation and barriers for civic actors, including in the digital space. Early Warning Systems: The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs trained journalists on early warning and last-mile risk communication, stressing that warnings only work when communities understand and act on them. Health Tech Under Pressure (Regional): Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a seventh province, with testing identifying the Bundibugyo strain, as response teams push to expand care and surveillance.
AGP Executive Report
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Ebola Response in Congo: Congo’s record Ebola outbreak has surged into a seventh province, with lab testing in Sud-Ubangi detecting the rare Bundibugyo strain and reports of a fatal case in Gwaka—raising fears of wider spread and renewed pressure on health systems. Health Workforce Bottleneck: WHO says the main limit is not only the virus but the shortage of trained staff, with thousands more treatment beds and roughly 9,000 workers needed to scale care fast enough. South Sudan Digital Skills: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek (Lakes State) to train youth and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and community problem-solving. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response across their border, citing Ebola as a key shared risk. Early Warning for Hazards: South Sudan trained journalists on risk communication and last-mile early warning so communities can act before drought, floods, and disease outbreaks escalate. Education & TVET Access: South Sudan’s Higher Education ministry announced 75 TVET scholarships for study in Ethiopia, with applications running Sept 7–22. Civil Society Environment: A South Sudan civil society assessment rated the enabling environment “weak,” citing gaps in practical protection and a secure digital space.
Ebola Watch (DRC): Ebola has been detected in South-Ubangi, the seventh DRC province, after lab confirmation of a positive case; local transmission isn’t yet confirmed, but the outbreak is already the deadliest in DRC history with thousands of cases and deaths reported. Ebola Response (Care bottleneck): WHO says the main obstacle is not the virus but a shortage of trained staff and treatment capacity, with thousands more beds and roughly thousands of additional health workers still needed to scale care. ICT for Youth (South Sudan): MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, Lakes State, to train young people and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital learning resources. Cross-border Health Security (South Sudan–Uganda): South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and response for threats that can spread across their border. Digital Readiness (Juba): An AU-backed data governance capacity programme opened in Juba to help domesticate AU data policy and strengthen legal and institutional foundations. Early Warning (South Sudan): The government urged media to improve last-mile dissemination of early warnings so communities can act before hazards become disasters. TVET Skills (South Sudan): 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students in Ethiopia were announced, with applications running until Sept 22. One Health (Somalia): A new analysis highlights how climate shocks, mobility, and overlapping outbreaks make One Health cross-sector action urgent in Somalia.
ICT Skills & Youth Innovation: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek, Lakes State, on Sept 8 to train young people, support entrepreneurs, and boost local digital innovation. Digital Policy & Data Systems: An AU-backed Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme opened in Juba to help South Sudan domesticate AU data policy and strengthen legal and institutional foundations. Early Warning for Communities: South Sudan’s disaster management ministry trained journalists on early warning systems and last-mile risk communication, stressing that warnings must be trusted and acted on. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to improve disease surveillance, preparedness, and response across their shared border, citing Ebola risk as a key driver. Education Tech Pipeline: The Ministry of Higher Education announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students to study in Ethiopia (applications Sept 7–22; exams Oct 16). Civil Society Digital Environment: A panel rated South Sudan’s enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5), including gaps in the secure digital environment for civic actors. Ebola Care Bottleneck (Regional): DRC’s Ebola response warns the main constraint is not the virus alone, but shortages of trained staff to scale treatment capacity.
Digital Skills in Lakes State: MTN South Sudan launched an ICT hub in Rumbek (Sept 8) to train young people and support innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital learning for students, job seekers, and local innovators. AI on Fibre Networks: Liquid Intelligent Technologies Kenya says it’s moving beyond connectivity by layering AI, cloud, and cybersecurity services onto its fibre backbone, pointing to its AI factory in Cape Town and growing data-centre and cross-border connectivity focus across Africa. TVET Opportunities for South Sudan: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology announced 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese to study in Ethiopia (2026–2027), with applications running Sept 7–22 and an entrance exam set for Oct 16 at the University of Juba Main Campus. Civil Society Under Pressure: A South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network expert panel rated the country’s enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5) under an EU framework, citing gaps between legal protections and real-world implementation, including for journalists and civic actors. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness, and response, stressing that public health threats don’t stop at borders. Ebola Response Bottleneck (DRC): DRC’s Ebola outbreak is expanding with major progress in treatment capacity, but WHO warns the key constraint is a shortage of trained staff and operational capacity to scale care fast enough. Data Governance in Juba: An AU-led Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme opened in Juba to help domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework and strengthen legal and institutional foundations for digital governance. UNESCO Conservation Win: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks were highlighted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with conservationists hoping the status will better protect migratory birds and broader biodiversity.
Oil & Exports: Uganda is nearing first oil exports with its new “Pearl Sweet” crude grade, but high wax content and a still-incomplete export pipeline could narrow buyers and raise heating costs. Nuclear for Shipping: Kenya’s nuclear regulator highlights a push toward small modular reactors and floating nuclear power for maritime use, as global licensing frameworks like ATLAS take shape. Ebola Tech & Health Capacity: DR Congo’s Ebola response is hitting a staffing bottleneck, with WHO saying thousands more trained workers are needed to scale treatment beds fast enough. Civil Society & Digital Rights: In Juba, a South Sudan expert panel rates the enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5), citing gaps in legal implementation and a lack of secure digital space for civic actors. Skills Pipeline: South Sudan’s Ministry announces 75 TVET scholarships for South Sudanese students in Ethiopia, with applications running Sept 7–22 and an Oct 16 entrance exam. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda sign an MoU to strengthen disease surveillance and emergency response across their shared border. UN Data Governance: An AU-backed data governance capacity programme launches in Juba to help domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework. Ecosystems & Conservation: UNESCO World Heritage status for South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks spotlights migratory birds and could boost conservation support. ICT & Industry: MTN South Sudan launches an Aweil ICT hub, while South Sudan’s ICT minister meets Huawei leadership in Hangzhou.
Ebola Response Tech & Health Workforce: In DR Congo, WHO says the Ebola bottleneck is now people, not the virus—about 1,400 treatment beds are open, but roughly 1,600 more are needed, requiring around 5,000 additional trained staff to scale to 3,000 beds. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to boost disease surveillance, preparedness, and response along their shared border, citing Ebola as a test case for coordinated action. Civil Society Digital & Legal Environment: Juba-based experts rated South Sudan’s enabling environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5) under an EU framework, pointing to gaps between laws and real-world protection, including for journalists and human rights defenders. TVET Scholarships: South Sudan’s Higher Education ministry announced 75 TVET scholarships for study in Ethiopia (2026–2027), with applications running Sept 7–22 and an Oct 16 entrance exam at University of Juba Main Campus. UN Data Governance in Juba: An AU-led Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme launched in Juba to help domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework and strengthen legal and institutional foundations. Conservation & UNESCO: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo national parks—now UNESCO World Heritage—are highlighted for migratory bird habitats, including massive seasonal stork movements. Cluster Munitions Civilian Toll: A new monitor report says cluster munitions caused 1,063 deaths or injuries worldwide in 2025, with civilians—87% of casualties—bearing the brunt. Starlink Licensing Watch: Starlink remains unlicensed in Ethiopia while satellite internet expands elsewhere in Africa, underscoring regulatory hurdles for rural connectivity.
Data & Policy in Juba: The African Union’s Data Governance Capacity Building and Engagement programme has opened in Juba, aiming to help South Sudan domesticate the AU Data Policy Framework and strengthen legal and institutional foundations for data management. Early Warning for Disasters: South Sudan’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs urged journalists to improve early warning dissemination, stressing that warnings only work when they reach at-risk communities, are understood, and trigger clear action. Cross-Border Health Security: South Sudan and Uganda signed an MoU to boost disease surveillance, preparedness, and response, with Ebola cited as a key reason countries must coordinate across porous borders. Energy Cooperation: South Sudan’s Energy Minister met Russia’s ambassador to discuss reactivating a stalled 2024 energy MoU, targeting hydropower, oil and gas, renewables, and technology transfer to ease electricity shortages. Civil Society Space: A panel rated South Sudan’s environment for civil society “Weak” (2/5), pointing to inconsistent protection and risks for defenders, journalists, and civic groups, including digital security concerns.
South Sudan Energy: Russia and South Sudan discussed reviving a stalled 2024 energy deal, aiming to tackle electricity shortages through hydropower, oil and gas, renewables, and technology transfer. Human Rights & Civic Space: A new expert panel rates South Sudan’s environment for civil society “weak,” scoring 2/5 and warning that uneven enforcement leaves defenders, journalists, and NGOs exposed to restrictions and intimidation, including on digital security. ICT & Connectivity: MTN South Sudan launched an Aweil ICT hub in Bahr el Ghazal, pushing local digital access and skills. Conservation & Tech for Nature: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks gained UNESCO World Heritage status, spotlighting bird migration and biodiversity—an opportunity for better monitoring and conservation support. Regional Tech Signals: Starlink remains unlicensed in Ethiopia, showing how regulation—not satellite coverage—can block broadband rollout across the Horn. Health Data Innovation: Congo’s Ebola response is using mobile-phone data to track spread, a model South Sudan could learn from for future outbreaks.
Satellite Connectivity & Regulation: Starlink is live across much of Africa, but Ethiopia remains stuck in a licensing deadlock after the regulator denied any licence talks—leaving rural households and clinics without legal access while neighbours can buy kits. Mobile Data Costs: A new study by Broadband Genie ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband cost at about $0.27 per 1GB, highlighting how pricing comparisons can miss local realities like network performance and purchasing power. South Sudan Energy Tech: South Sudan is trying to restart a stalled 2024 energy deal with Russia, aiming to revive RusHydro cooperation for hydropower, oil and gas, renewables, and technology transfer to ease chronic electricity shortages. UN Arms & Drones in Sudan: A UN fact-finding mission demands enforcement and extension of the Darfur arms embargo across Sudan, warning that foreign fighters, transnational networks, and drones are expanding the war’s reach and harming civilians. South Sudan Public Broadcasting: President Kiir orders urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation ahead of elections, pushing for stronger capacity and professionalism as the country prepares to vote. Ebola Tracking via Phones (DRC): Congo officials are using mobile-phone data to track Ebola spread as cases pass 6,000, showing how telecom data can support faster outbreak response. ICT & Local Connectivity (South Sudan): MTN South Sudan launches an Aweil ICT hub in Bahr el Ghazal, expanding local digital services and training.
South Sudan Energy Tech: South Sudan is moving to revive its stalled 2024 energy deal with Russia, with talks in Juba focused on hydropower, oil and gas, renewables, and technology transfer to ease electricity shortages. Digital Skills & Connectivity: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people in digital skills and support local innovation and jobs. Public Broadcasting & Elections Readiness: President Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) ahead of December elections, pushing for stronger capacity and professionalism after a progress report from the information ministry. Human Rights Tech (Satellites): A new look at the Satellite Sentinel Project highlights how satellite imagery is used to monitor conflict and human rights abuses in Sudan. Regional Security Tech: UN reporting says foreign networks are supplying weapons, training, drones, and logistics that are fueling Sudan’s war—raising risks for the wider Horn. Biodiversity & Conservation: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks gained UNESCO World Heritage status, spotlighting migratory birds and conservation support.
South Sudan Energy Diplomacy: South Sudan is trying to revive a stalled 2024 energy deal with Russia, aiming to restart technical work on hydropower, water infrastructure, renewables, and technology transfer to ease severe electricity shortages. Public Broadcasting & Elections: President Salva Kiir has ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) as leadership disputes threaten readiness ahead of December general elections. Digital Skills & Youth Jobs: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people in digital skills and support local innovation and economic opportunities. Aviation Connectivity: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Padiet, Poktap, Panyagor, and Pibor, targeting better transport for communities, humanitarian work, and essential supplies. Regional Tech for Health: In Congo, health teams are using anonymized mobile-phone data to track Ebola spread and predict where cases may surface next, a first-of-its-kind approach for Ebola response. Sudan Conflict Tech Risks: A UN-backed probe says foreign networks are fueling Sudan’s war with weapons, logistics, training, and foreign personnel, including drone support that expands strike capabilities.
Energy & Tech Diplomacy: South Sudan is trying to revive a stalled energy deal with Russia, aiming to turn a 2024 MoU with RusHydro into active hydropower, water infrastructure, geothermal work, and technology-transfer projects to ease severe electricity shortages. Digital Skills & Youth: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people for the digital economy, pairing connectivity with practical skills. Broadcasting & Elections Readiness: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) as leadership tensions continue, stressing the broadcaster’s role in informing the public ahead of December elections. Aviation for Access: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor (Padiet, Poktap, Panyagor, Pibor) to improve movement of people and supplies. Regional Tech in Health: In eastern DRC, health teams are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict Ebola spread and target limited surveillance resources as cases pass 6,000. Regional Security Tech Watch: A UN probe on Sudan says foreign networks are supplying weapons, training, and drones—raising the risk that advanced military tech keeps worsening civilian harm.
Public Broadcasting Reform: President Salva Kiir has ordered urgent action to fix operational problems at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) ahead of December elections, pushing for stronger capacity and professionalism as the broadcaster faces board-management conflict. Digital Skills & Connectivity: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people for the digital economy, pairing connectivity with practical skills. Media Innovation for Africa: MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort of 42 journalists across 10 countries, including South Sudan, aiming to help newsrooms adapt to AI and shifting digital audiences. Aviation for Access: IOM and the government validated plans to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (Padiet, Poktap, Panyagor, Pibor) to improve movement of people and supplies. ICT Partnerships: South Sudan’s ICT minister Ateny Wek Ateny met Huawei’s VP in Hangzhou, discussing support for modernising and connecting public services, plus “smart” city and national data initiatives. Health Tech in Crisis: In eastern DRC, Ebola response teams are using anonymized mobile-phone data to track population movement and predict where the virus may spread next. Regional Energy Infrastructure: East Africa’s petroleum race heats up as countries push refineries, pipelines, storage and ports, with Rwanda signaling interest in the Lamu refinery and Uganda/Tanzania building around Tanga. Sudan War Tech & Networks: UN reporting says foreign networks are supplying weapons, training and drones that expand capabilities in Sudan’s conflict—raising risks for civilians and regional stability.
Digital Skills & Connectivity: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people for the digital economy, pairing access with practical skills. Media & Tech Capacity: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent reforms at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) ahead of December elections, pushing for stronger capacity and professionalism. AI/ICT Partnerships: South Sudan’s ICT minister Ateny Wek Ateny met Huawei’s VP in Hangzhou to discuss modernising public services and building “smart” city infrastructure, plus a national data push. Learning & STEM Growth: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar held its Class of 2030 convocation, welcoming a record incoming class that includes South Sudan’s first students. Health Tech in Action: In eastern DR Congo, Ebola responders are using anonymized mobile-phone data to map movement and predict where the virus may spread next. Regional Tech & Infrastructure: IOM and the government validated airstrip rehabilitation designs in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve connectivity for communities and humanitarian work.
Sudan Conflict & Tech: A UN-backed probe says foreign networks are supplying weapons, logistics, training and foreign personnel to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, with UAE-linked entities playing a key role; it also warns foreign-supplied drones are expanding capabilities and harming civilians. Ebola Response (Congo): WHO and partners report a new approach using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to map spread risk in eastern DR Congo, as cases pass 6,000 and officials push faster, smarter targeting of limited response resources. South Sudan ICT Skills: MTN South Sudan launches the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people in digital skills and support learning and innovation. Broadcast Governance: President Salva Kiir orders urgent action to fix challenges at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation ahead of December elections, as leadership disputes continue. Aviation Connectivity (Jonglei/Pibor): IOM and the government validate designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Greater Pibor and Jonglei to improve movement of people and humanitarian supplies. Media Innovation (Regional): MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomes its first cohort, including South Sudanese journalists, to strengthen newsrooms for a digital and AI-driven era. Huawei & Smart Services: South Sudan’s ICT minister meets Huawei leadership to discuss modernizing public services and building “smart” city and national data infrastructure.
Sudan War Tech & Networks: A UN-backed probe says foreign networks are supplying weapons, logistics, training and foreign personnel to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, with “reasonable grounds” pointing to transnational links involving the UAE and others; it also warns foreign-supplied drones may be boosting the Sudanese army’s reach, with civilians paying the price. Ebola Data Science: In eastern DRC, health teams are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to spot where Ebola could spread next—an approach never used before in an Ebola response—amid a fast-growing outbreak. South Sudan Digital Skills: MTN South Sudan launched the Aweil ICT Hub in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to train young people in digital skills and support local innovation and jobs. Elections Tech Debate: South Sudan’s NEC rejected biometric voter registration, citing low literacy, opting for manual registration with later computer transfer. ICT Partnerships: South Sudan’s ICT minister met Huawei leadership in Hangzhou, pushing for tech support to modernize and connect public services and build “smart” city infrastructure. Aviation Connectivity: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve movement of people and supplies. Media Governance: President Salva Kiir ordered action to resolve challenges at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation as leadership disputes intensify ahead of elections.
Ebola Tech in Congo: Health teams in eastern DRC are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to spot where Ebola may spread next, a first-for-Ebola approach as cases pass 6,000 and deaths climb. Sudan Conflict Tech & Drones: A UN-backed probe says foreign networks are fueling Sudan’s war with weapons, military technology and fighters, and finds “reasonable grounds” that drones supplied from abroad have harmed civilians. SSBC Governance: President Salva Kiir ordered urgent action to fix challenges at the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation ahead of December elections, after a board-versus-managing-director leadership fight. ICT & Huawei: South Sudan’s ICT minister met Huawei’s VP in Hangzhou, pushing for support to modernize and connect public services and build “smart” city and data systems. Elections Tech Choice: The NEC rejected biometric voter registration, citing low literacy, opting for manual registration with later computer transfer. Aviation Connectivity (Jonglei/Pibor): IOM and government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Padiet, Poktap, Panyagor and Pibor to improve transport for communities and humanitarian work. Media Skills for South Sudan: MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort, including South Sudanese journalists, to strengthen digital-era newsroom resilience.
ICT & Governance: South Sudan’s ICT minister Ateny Wek Ateny met Huawei VP Eric Ma in Hangzhou, signaling plans to modernise public services and expand “smart” city, energy, and national data initiatives. Elections Tech: The National Elections Commission rejected biometric voter registration, citing low literacy and opting for manual registration with later computer transfer. Digital Skills: A South Sudanese software engineer urged AI lessons in schools so learners can spot AI-made images and misinformation. Agriculture & Digital Farming: Upper Nile University and Premium Agro Consult signed an MoU to overhaul agriculture training with practical, research, innovation, and digital farming support. Air Transport Infrastructure: IOM and the government validated designs to rehabilitate airstrips in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to improve connectivity for communities and humanitarian operations. Media Capacity: MTN, University of Johannesburg and the African Editors’ Forum launched the MTN Pan-African Media Innovation Programme, welcoming a cohort that includes South Sudanese journalists. Health Tech: In Congo, Ebola response teams are using anonymised mobile-phone data to map movement and target surveillance as cases pass 6,000.
AI in Education: A South Sudanese software engineer, Chol Daniel Deng, urges AI lessons from high school onward so learners can spot AI-made images and misinformation. Elections Tech Policy: South Sudan’s NEC rejects biometric voter registration, saying low literacy means registration will be done manually, with records later transferred to computers. Digital Governance & Fraud Claims: ICT Minister Ateny Wek Ateny dismisses two circulating documents tied to Capital Pay and Crawford Capital as fake, and says an official investigation will follow. Justice & Tech: South Sudanese lawyers attend the Pan African Lawyers Union conference in Cairo, where AI’s role in justice systems and legal practice is a key theme. Agriculture Training Upgrade: Upper Nile University signs an MoU with Premium Agro Consult to modernize agriculture education with practical training, applied research, and digital farming tools. Health Tech & Services: Tanzania’s MOI expands specialist care, including AI-assisted brain surgery and online appointment booking, aiming to support medical tourism and AFCON 2027. Connectivity & Resilience: A regional analysis highlights how submarine cables and inland digital infrastructure shape business continuity across Sub-Saharan Africa.
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